Welcome to an Engaged Community

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The Bell/Whittington Public Library Accepts volunteers year round who are 13 years old and older. Volunteer on a regular basis, seasonally or for special events.

To volunteer, please complete a Volunteer Application (available at the library circulation desk), complete it and then return it to the library. All volunteers must meet with the Volunteer Coordinator before volunteering for an interview.

- Friends

Friends of the Library are people just like you. They recognize the value that a strong public library provides a community and they support its programs and services. As a friend, you are in the unique position to make a difference. By sharing your time and talents, you help the Bell / Whittington Public Library do more and offer more. Please see our Friends Brochure for more information.Responsibilities & Services
Friends are both advocates and fund raisers. As advocates, friends spread the word about the library to the community. They support the library's point of view on issues such as funding, library policies and programs and help interpret these views to others.

In the role of fundraiser, friends look for ways to secure additional money to support the work of the library, enhancing library programs and services. Past fund raising activities have included book sales, bake sales and raffles. But being a Friend is more. It's also about connecting. A friends group offers you a way to meet new people and learn about your community and have fun.

The purpose of the Friends of the Library group is to promote the interest and welfare of the Portland Public Library as a cultural and educational asset for all of the citizens of Portland, Texas. As a nonprofit corporation we can receive and administer funds for library purposes. We carry out our mission by soliciting and raising funds for books, programs, services and equipment for the library.
Becoming a Member
If you are interested in becoming a Friends of the Library member, please complete this Friends of the Library Application Form and return it to the Bell/Whittington Public Library, 2400 Memorial Parkway, Portland, Texas 78374. Memorial Bricks
Another way to support Friends of the Library and honor or memorialize a dear friend or family member is by purchasing a memorial paving brick at the library. For details on purchasing a brick, please view our Personalized Brick Pamphlet.

Book Sale
The Friends of the Library Book Sale is typically held in October and March with The sale is advertised in advance in the library, The Breeze, local newspapers and with signs strategically placed throughout the city. Shop the Book Sale early by establishing a membership with The Friends of the Libray. Memberships start at just $10.00 per person! Visit the library for more information or to establish a membership!

Donations
Books, magazines, puzzles, DVD's or CDs can be donated, simply bring them to the front desk. If requested, we can issue a receipt for your donation. All donations are accepted with the agreement that the library can use them as it sees fit. If the donation will enhance our collection it will be added. If not, then the materials will be sold in the Friends of the Library Book Sale or donated to another library or organization that can use the material.

Monetary donations can be donated to the Friends of the Portland Library. Donations help secure additional money to support the work of the library.